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Talented Twins Beat the Odds and Qualify for Kona

There are record numbers of triathletes from the Asia Pacific region chasing their dreams in Kona. Here’s the story about two inseparables creating history.

By Ian Hepenstall

To qualify for the GoPro IRONMAN World Championships is a feat. The chance that family members would achieve the goal in the same year is even more impressive. But what are the odds of identical twins entering the waters of Kailua-Kona Bay next month?

Katy and Michelle Duffield, who live in Perth, will line-up in the women's 25 to 29 age group in Kona after both won their age group qualifying races. It’s the first time twins from Australia have ever qualified for the GoPro IRONMAN World Championships and may be the first ever.

Katy won her age-group at the IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship Melbourne, while Michelle achieved the same feat at IRONMAN Australia in Port Macquarie.

Michelle has already raced in Hawaii in 2011, but, for Katy, it has been a more testing route. She broke her collarbone twice in accidents with vehicles while riding in preparation for the 2010 IRONMAN Western Australia race. Katy watched from the sidelines as her sister won the age group and claimed her Kona spot.

Plan B was IRONMAN China, but the race was called off. Plan C was a rushed trip to IRONMAN Korea, where she finished second in tough conditions to miss the single qualifying spot and had to settle with supporting Michelle in Hawaii.

"There is something about this sport that is addictive," says Katy. "There’s something inside me that thrives on success. It’s about being successful within myself. I want to know where my real limits are, not the ones that most of us perceive are there, but the ones that are beyond my comprehension."

The pair got into triathlon a decade ago and took to it. Like most the things, they have done it together.

"She is my sister, my twin, my house mate, my number one training partner, my nemesis and my best friend," says Katy. "How does that work? I have no idea but somehow it just does.

"We are competitive with each other. When you have lived your whole life being compared to someone it is only natural that things are going to get competitive."

Standing on Ali’i Drive in 2011, the pair made a pact to both qualify in 2013. Katy tackled the IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship in Melbourne and Michelle entered IRONMAN Australia in Port Macquarie.

"I worked so hard to make sure that the spot was mine," says Katy. "I had the race of my life to win my age group as well as the age group Asia-Pacific title, something I’ll never forget."

The pressure went on Michelle to join her sister on the start line at Kona.

"Mim (Michelle) smashed it. She ended up fifth female overall at Port Macquarie and blitzed our age group to take the spot. Being on the finishing chute was such a buzz."

The pair has pushed hard in preparations for Kona, joining with four others from their triathlon squad who are also racing.

"Training through the Perth winter is no easy feat, but we have all come out stronger and more determined because of it," Katy says, having also had to deal with a knee injury that has forced her to complete many of her "running miles" on a cross trainer.

Katy has a no-excuses policy in her approach and advice to others.

"My advice would be to get it done. Don’t make excuses. Have your goal, work out what you need to do to get there, surround yourself with people who will help you achieve it and don’t let anything stand in your way. Your excuses may fool others, but when you are on the start line you will know if you have done everything possible to produce the race of your life. No ifs, or buts, there is no hiding. You will know."